Kunle ADELABU
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu branch, has announced partnership with the Ikorodu Division Youth Movement in combating the cultism and gang war in Ikorodu.
The chairman of NBA in Ikorodu, Barr. Bayo Akinlabi, announcing the intervention of the body on Wednesday, June 12,2019, stated that the move is in response to the recent increase in cult activities and other crimes in Ikorodu.
The recent resurgent of the menace in across Ikorodu has paralysed social and economic activities of the town while many young men have also been killed .
The menace has also massively dented the image of the town due to the ceaseless killings by the cult groups which are gradually turning Ikorodu into the centre of cultism activities in the state.
Over 200 suspected cult members arrested across the state were paraded at the Ikorodu police station on Monday, June 10,2019, by the Lagos Police Commissioner, Mr Zubairu Muazu.
According to Barr Akinlabi, NBA is partnering Not Too Young To Run (NTYTR) in Ikorodu in order to engage stakeholders and combat cultism menace in the town.
“In response to the recent reports of cultism related crimes and insecurity within Ikorodu, NBA, Ikorodu Branch, has put in motion a strategy in partnership with *NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN* Organization to combat the problem of cultism.
“The NBA Ikorodu Branch *Anti-Cultism and Community Youth Empowerment Intervention Committee* [ACE Inc.] was set up by the Chairman of NBA Ikorodu Branch, Bayo Akinlade Esq, to provide support and interventions for youth empowerment and education.
“The Committee consists of volunteer members of the Branch who will engage with the community to reduce the prevalence of cultism within Ikorodu.
Akinlade stated other objectives that *ACE Inc* was established to achieve.
“To find the root cause of Cultism in Ikorodu for the purpose of proffering solutions in combating this menace.
“To provide support for Ikorodu Youths movement which is committed to empowering youths and securing a better future for them.
“To support security agencies, both Federal and State, in combating Cultism in Ikorodu.
“Also, to provide legal support for youths wrongly accused of Cultism and support research and educational outreaches for the prevention of cultism in Ikorodu.
The body is also setup “To provide expertise and any other form of support for youths in Ikorodu for the purpose of deterring them from joining cult groups”.
“To regularly undertake sensitisation programs in partnership with public and private stakeholders and to do all other such activities and programs that will promote its aims and objectives .
Mr. Akinlade further stated that the bar has the responsibility to ensure that lives and properties are secured in the community.
“NBA has a primary responsibility to the communities by ensuring that we play our part as members of the community in the preservation of lives and properties ; we show people that we care”.
